Recruitment agency takes space at City Hall

Recruitment agency takes space at City Hall

A specialist recruitment firm has relocated to a new office at Sunderland's City Hall as it continues to expand. AK Teaching, one of the North of England's largest independent teacher recruitment agencies, has opened a new headquarters at the city's award-winning civic hub. Founded in 2012, the company recruits for roles in primary, secondary and SEND schools, with specialist consultants in each sector allowing it to offer the best possible advice for candidates. Having established itself as the largest independent education recruitment company in Sunderland, AK Teaching has expanded across the North East and West Yorkshire, with offices in Newcastle and Leeds as well as its Sunderland HQ.

Jonny Greener, who is director at AK Teaching alongside founder Anthony Kirtley, said: "We're delighted to have opened our new office in City Hall.

"Anthony and I are both from Sunderland, the company has always been headquartered here and this move will put us at the heart of the transformation happening in the city. The Riverside Sunderland project is so exciting and will be a game changer, so being part of it really does allow us to play our part in the area's regeneration.

"We are proud to be based in Sunderland, our new site will provide a great platform for us to grow our business and to continue to provide opportunities for local people."

Riverside Sunderland is one of the UK's most ambitious urban regeneration projects. As well as City Hall, The Beam and The Yard, the development will also include Maker and Faber, two highly sustainable offices; a state-of-the-art Eye Hospital; Culture House, a multi-purpose cultural venue; the National Esports Performance Campus; and the cutting-edge Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA), as well as new homes for up to 2,500 residents.

The ambitious project will double the residential population in the city centre and increase employment by 50 per cent, backed by £100m of investment from Legal & General and £20m from the government's Levelling Up Fund.

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "AK Teaching is a great example of a company that has started out in Sunderland and is now a key player in its sector, with offices across the North of England.

"We are thrilled the company has reaffirmed its commitment to the city, putting itself at the centre of Riverside Sunderland. I look forward to watching the company grow from its new site."

Designed by leading architect FaulknerBrowns, on behalf of Sunderland City Council, City Hall opened its doors in November 2021.

As well as scooping numerous industry awards, including 'Best Civic Building' at the AJ Architecture Awards, 'Best Corporate Workplace' and 'Best of the Best' at the British Council for Offices Awards and a Royal Institute of British Architects North Regional Award, the building also hosts numerous community groups and activities and provides a modern accessible hub for the effective delivery of public services.

Tenants in the building include Sunderland City Council, The Department for Work & Pensions, Gentoo and Sunderland College.

For more information about commercial properties in Sunderland to buy or rent workspace for businesses visit https://mysunderland.co.uk/commercial-properties